EUROPEAN TRAIL

13 NIGHTS / 14 DAYS

Day 01 :Bhubaneswar - Vienna

Welcome to your European Splendours' tour. Upon arrival during the course of the day in Vienna, after immigration and customs your representative will greet you outside the exit gate and assist you to transfer and check into your hotel (earliest check in after 1400 hours).

Day 02 : Vienna - Salzburg

Today set your watches back 100 years as you enjoy the musical city of Vienna. You will be taken on a guided panaromic city tour of Vienna, which will inspire you by its charm and astonish you by the splendourous buildings of a time that is in a way still present. You will see famous landmarks like the great State Opera House, the great St. Charles' Church, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), the Parliament and the Town Hall among others offering an insight into the culture and history of the city and of the Habsburg dynasty. Later you will enjoy a visit to the popular Vienna Prater - an amusement park. Enjoy the various rides on your own. Take a walk in the beautiful woodlands. Not to be missed is the popular Ferris Wheel. Then enjoy a scenic drive as you depart towards the baroque city of "Mozart" and "The Sound of Music" - Salzburg and check into your hotel enroute.

Day 03 :Salzburg - Innsbruck

Today you will explore the best of Austria's Baroque architecture and the city, which is the venue for one of the world's most important music festivals - Salzburg, celebrating "Year of Mozart, 2006", with a guided walking tour. Visit the Altstadt (old city) on the west bank of the Salzach River, where you will enjoy a walk through the labyrinth of pathways admiring the 17th Century facades. Some of the highlights in the Altstadt - "Mozart's Geburtshaus', the famous musicians birthplace which houses a collection of his belongings and the great Cathedral. See several locations associated with 'The Sound of Music'. After this you will enjoy a scenic drive to Innsbruck. En route, you will halt at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens for a visit to the 'Chambers of Wonder'. Admire the crystal planets, a 3-D projection describing the history of the world in crystalline metaphors. See the crystalscope, a giant kaleidoscope based upon special healing crystals which allows you to actually sense the harmonizing power of crystals accompanied by soothing music. Among the features in the museum, not to be missed is the Andre Heller room, which displays a gigantic accordion floating from the ceiling and the unique display by the video artist Fabrizio Plessi. A treat for crystal enthusiasts is the Swarovski shop, which has a remarkable collection of beautiful exhibits, the likes of which have never been seen before. Carry on to Innsbruck where on arrival you will be taken on an orientation tour of the city. You will view famous landmarks like the Golden Roof also known as the Golden Dachl; the ornate Imperial Palace, and the magnificent Imperial Church an example of Baroque architecture. Later check into your hotel.

Day 04:Innsbruck - Venice

Today your journey takes you on a drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards, and cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to the magical lagoon city of Venice. Experience the wonders of this marvelous city, as you proceed on a guided walking city tour, which includes a canal cruise from Tronchetto Pier when you will start to see its incredible miniature labyrinth of canals, streets and fairytale palaces, some of the finest Venetian buildings to the Piazza San Marco (St.Marks Square), where you disembark and continue to the Doge's Palace connected by the Bridge of Sighs to the feared prisons. It was from here that the legendary Casanova made his famous escape! Continue to the square for a view of the famous Moors who have been striking the hour for the past 500 years. Don't forget to admire the beautiful mosaics decorating St. Marks Basilica. This exciting tour ends with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Factory for a demonstration in glass blowing. Carry onwards and check into your hotel.

Day 05:Venice - Florence

The day begins with a scenic drive across the Apennine Mountains, past Bologna along the Brenta Riviera to Galileo's coastal town of Pisa where you will visit the Field of Miracles - a square with the finest examples of Pisan - Romanesque buildings like the Duomo, the Baptistery - a bizarre mix of Romanesque and Gothic art and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (photo stop) - the unique bell-tower of the Duomo, famed not only for its characteristic tilt, but also for the beauty of its architectural structure. Continue your drive to the city of Florence a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, a living breathing museum. Included in our guided walking tour are some of the cities most of the city's most exquisite treasures. On arrival proceed to visit the open-air gallery in Signoria Square; the famous Duomo - symbol of Florence's prestige and wealth, the Dome is a marvel of architecture and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city from the top; admire the magnificent 'Gates of Paradise' adorning the Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city. Do not miss the opportunity to shop for the famous Florentine leather bags and accessories in your free time. After an exciting tour, you proceed on a drive through a stretch of olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscany region where on arrival you will be checked into your hotel.

Day 06:Florence - Rome

This morning, proceed on a drive through some of the finest Italian countryside, past the hilltop towns of Orte & Orvieto to the "Eternal City" of Rome. You will be steeped in history and culture as you visit the hub of the ancient civilized world. Enjoy a full day introduction to Rome and The Vatican, located within Rome. It is the smallest state in the world. Begin at St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest churches, symbolizing the center of Christianity and featuring Michelangelo's famous Pieta. Continue your guided panoramic city tour which includes a photo stop at the grand ruins of the Colosseum; the triumphal Arch of Constantine followed by a drive through Piazza Venezia, the main square in Rome where the monument to the reunification of Italy overshadows the other monuments with it's sheer size and blinding white colour, the Circus Maximus, known for its ancient chariot races and the ruins of the Roman Forum. End the tour at the famous Trevi Fountain (visit) - the largest fountain in the city, where if you make a wish and toss a coin you are sure to return to Rome! Later return to your hotel.
Due to city regulations, sightseeing in Rome will be done partly by foot / public transport

Day 07:Rome - Monte Carlo

Today bid 'arrivederci' to Italy as you drive along the Italian Riviera to the sun drenched countryside of the south of France. En route visit the old town of Monaco-Ville and enjoy a walking tour of the famous sights which include the Palais du Prince - the Palace of the Rainier family and Cathedral the Monaco-Ville which contains the tombs of Monaco's former princes. Continue on to Monte Carlo and enjoy an exciting visit to the liveliest casino on the Riviera on your own. Complete the tour with a visit to the quaint village of Eze for a demonstration in perfume making. Carry onwards and check into your hotel .

Day 08:Monte Carlo - Lucerne

This morning, proceed on an orientation city tour of Cannes, a beautiful natural harbour known for its exotic setting and the famous venue for numerous International Film Festivals. Enjoy strolling through the old town dominated by the church of Notre Dame de l'Esperance followed by some free time at the famed Boulevard de la Croisette lined with tall palm trees and Palais des Festivals. Then you will continue to Nice, and visit the world famous Promenade des Anglais, drive past the Negresco Hotel and the Old Port Quarters where some private yachts are moored. Later, you will proceed on a spectacular journey and experience the natural beauty and wonders of the Alpine region arriving into the picturesque locales of Switzerland where you will be checked into your hotel.

Day 09:Lucerne

A glorious day at leisure or you may choose to take our optional excursion to Mt. Titlis for some excitement and adventure in the Swiss Alps. Today's excursion takes you to the unique snow and glacier paradise Mt.Titlis, one of the highest peaks where a day of fun in snow awaits you. The excitement begins with a rotating cable car ride up the mountain, followed by a thrilling ride in the Ice Flyer above the glacier. Experience the thrill of numerous attractions like a visit to the Glacier Park, try your hand at rollicking on snow tubes or just experience the thrill of sledging down the snow-covered slopes.. After a sumptuous hot Indian lunch at Mt.Titlis, the day continues with a visit to Lucerne city. Here you will visit the heartrending Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff followed by a stroll along the covered Kappelbrucke to the richly ornate Jesuit Church. Later, enjoy a visit to Casagrande, a unique shop for souvenirs. The exciting day comes to an end with a Gala Dinner Cruise with a free flow of wine, beer and soft drinks, cruising the tranquil waters on Lake Lucerne.

Day 10:Lucern - Interlaken

The day is free to take in your beautiful surroundings or enjoy our optional excursion to the Jungfraujoch - The top of Europe. Ascend by cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch, which at 3454 meters is Europe's highest altitude railway station. Explore and enjoy the numerous attractions like a walk on the great Aletsch Glacier, at 22 kms - the longest ice stream in the Alps. Visit the glistening Ice Palace, 30 meters under the surface of the glacier and admire the unique exhibition of life-size ice sculptures of animals, birds and mountains that exhibit the artistry of the craftsmen or simply take in the spectacular view from the Sphinx observation hall and terrace - Europe's highest altitude vantage point at 3571 meters. Enjoy a hot delicious Indian lunch with a glass of champagne amidst the perfect views of the glacier and snow capped mountains. Later you will drive to the picturesque resort Interlaken, from where you start a ten minute 65 degree angled funicular ride to Harder Kulm a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, unique in the Alps! Enjoy some amazing scenic sights of mountains, lakes and valleys, a glorious garden terrace, restaurant and an alpine wild life park with ibex and marmots and children's park. On your return explore the unique Swiss resort, where even today one can see horse-drawn carriages. Visit the Kirchhofer's Casino Gallery famous for its premium products like Swiss watches, chocolates and other accessories.

Day 11:Interlaken – Mont Blanc

This morning after an early breakfast enjoy an optional visit to 'Aareschlucht', the Aare Gorge at Meiringen, a 1400 m long and 200 m wide wonder of nature. You can walk safely through the gorge along a footpath and tunnels cut through the rock. Continue your drive in Switzerland and marvel at the wonders of the Alpine region, arriving into Geneva and proceed for photo stops in the city which includes the Palais des Nations - U.N. Building, the Musee Ariana, the Jet d'Eau - the world's tallest fountain and the beautiful flower clock situated in the Jardin Anglais. Later you will proceed to the "Love at first sight" Chamonix valley and enter the majestic world of the high mountains and the exhilarating Mont Blanc. This is the third most visited natural site in the world. You will be mesmerised by the breathtaking delights of the glacier around you. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous who frequent Chamonix Mont Blanc. We recommend you take the highest and most impressive cable car ride in Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi to 3842 meters where an unforgettable view of the entire Mont Blanc range around and the magnificent Chamonix valley below, unfolds in front of you. Contrary to popular opinion the world-renowned Mont Blanc range is located in Chamonix Valley in France and not in Switzerland. On a clear day you can also see the Monte Rosa, the Grand Combin and even the Matterhorn. Later you will enjoy an exceptional sightseeing excursion with a never-ending view of the magnificent vistas on the nostalgic red cog railway of Montenvers, the highest scenic train in the Alps directly up to the "Mer de Glace" (sea of ice) Glacier at 1913 meters as your soak in the exhilarating views around you. The "Mer de Glace" is 7 kms long and 200 meters thick with a surface dimension of 40 Kms. Here an amazing crystal gallery, a wildlife exhibition, an ice garden and the famous ice grotto 100 meters long, carved each year into the heart of the glacier awaits you. Later check into your hotel. .

Day 12:Mont Blanc - Paris

Today you will be awakened to the spectacular delights of the glacier around you. After breakfast you will drive to Dijon, the highlight of the day, which is the former capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and famous for its rich architectural heritage. On arrival you will proceed to the station to board the high - speed train the "TGV" to Paris, the romantic "City of Lights". Disembark and proceed to check into your hotel. Later this evening, don't miss our optional Gala Evening where you will experience the opulence of 'Gaie Paris'. Parisian nightlife is the envy of the world and so is the Gala Evening. This exciting evening unfolds with a cruise on the River Seine, sailing under some of the city's enchanting bridges, admiring the dazzling illuminated sights and monuments, an Indian Dinner at the world famous Lido followed by the 'Bonheur Show'! Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne amidst the captivating music, extravagant sets and costumes and a fascinating display of lasers and lights. A moment of pure Bonheur (happiness)! End the evening discovering the magic of Paris by night on the Illumination Tour driving past spectacularly lit landmarks. (B, L).

Day 13: Paris

The day is free. Explore the city on your own, or we recommend you take our funfilled optional excursion to the world-class family attraction Disneyland Paris. Enjoy an array of thrilling rides, shows, parades and discover the fantasy and excitement at this enchanting amusement park, which guarantees non-stop fun and action. Do not forget to take a snapshot with one of your favourite Disney characters! .

Due to city regulations, sightseeing in Rome will be done partly by foot / public Transport

Day 14:Paris - Brussels

Today enjoy a guided panoramic city tour of famous monuments and best known Parisian sights like the splendid Louvre glass pyramid, Garnier's Opera - one of the grandest Opera houses ever built, Place de la Concorde - the largest square in the city, the Champs Elysees - one of the most fashionable streets in the world, the Arc de Triomphe - the biggest triumphal arch in the world and Hotel des Invalides among others. Next you will proceed to the Eiffel Tower. Ascend by an elevator to the viewing platform on the 3rd level for a dazzling panoramic overview of the city. Later you have the option to visit the famous Grevin Wax Museum, an exclusive introduced by for the very first time. Grevin, a legendary site of entertainment since 1882, created by Alfred Grevin a cartoonist and his friend Gabriel Thomas a brilliant wit, is a three dimensional mirror of topical events, a world of fun, a time machine. With the know-how born of 120 years of experience, the Grevin is the symbol of the distinguished art of waxwork. In the 18th century, a German named Curtius revived the fashion for wax studies. He had for his assistant his niece, the future Madame Tussaud, who by 1789 replaced him. Upon the death of her uncle she went to London and opened her wax museum. Three hundred wax figures of superstars, major political leaders, international celebrities, top models and sports heroes are waiting to be photographed with you. Later you will enjoy a visit to Les Galeries Lafayette (closed on Sunday) - the avant-garde fashion store in Paris that offers an excellent and wide selection of branded bags, cosmetics, fashionable accessories, exotic perfumes and the latest fashion trends in clothing, truly a one-stop fashion store! Later drive to Brussels and enjoy an orientation tour featuring sights like the magnificent St. Michel's Cathedral - an excellent example of Gothic style architecture, Grand Place with its beautiful gilded buildings and the cheeky Mannekin Pis (photo stop). Carry onwards driving past canals and tall gabled houses arriving into the Netherlands where you will be checked into your hotel.

Day 15:Brussels - Amsterdam

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion beginning with a drive through the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam and its surroundings, visiting highlights like a Windmill (photo stop), Cheese farm and Clog making factory for a demonstration to see how cheese and wooden shoes are made. Enjoy a taste of cheese! A visit to a Diamond factory is next followed by an enjoyable and picturesque canal cruise in a glass topped boat gliding through beautiful canals admiring the magnificent view of the city's sights, ending the tour with some free time (time permitting) at Dam Square encircled by the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the Royal Palace and the War Memorial. Continue to the Keukenhof Gardens - the famous tulip gardens of the Netherlands (only when in bloom from March 25th to May 20th). The rest of the year you will visit Madurodam - presenting many of the country's most historic structures in miniature. Later drive to Europoort in Rotterdam to board your luxurious overnight cruise ferry to Hull in the U.K. Indulge yourself in the luxury and comfort of your P & O cruise recognized by the Observer and Guardian as one of the "Best Ferry Crossing" across the North Sea. Savour the wide selection of international cuisine available in the Four Seasons buffet restaurant. For a night of non-stop fun and entertainment, not to be missed is the two-tiered Sunset Show lounge entertainment with an opportunity to dance to the music of a live band or to the non-stop disco beat. For the movie buffs - enjoy viewing the latest releases into the wee hours of the morning. Visit the video arcade, and situated on deck 8 is the casino where you can try your luck.

Day 16:Amsterdam - London

Early this morning your luxurious ferry cruise comes to an end as you arrive into the port of Hull. Following disembarkation proceed on to London. On arrival you will enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, which includes many attractions like the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, the River Thames and Buckingham Palace among others. After this you will check into your hotel. (Breakfast on Board the Ferry).

Day 17:London

Today after breakfast the entire day is free for you to explore or enjoy our optional visit to the Swami Narayan Temple and the renowned Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Enjoy viewing the life size wax works featuring the famous and infamous and spot some well known Indian personalities. Take a ride on the London Eye. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this vibrant bustling city on your own. Explore the numerous restaurants, exciting galleries, trendy shops, fabulous theatres and exciting entertainment at your own pace.

Day 18:London - Bhubaeswar

Today you will bid farewell to London and your Grand European tour. Transfer to the airport, for your flight back home.